Graham Badari

Namardaka (Eel-tailed catfish, Nilosilurus spp.) is a good eating fish. It is a valued food for Bininj (Aboriginal people) around Gunbalanya. People call small specimens of the species “marrngunj”. They are a dark grey colour, with a long, eel-like body and strong barbels which have given them their alternative English name, “nailfish”. Namardaka live in fresh water. There are lots of them in Red Lily Billabong between Gunbalanya and Cahill’s Crossing. Women often go there and catch them with hand lines.
Nawu namardaka nakka djenj namak bu ngarringun nawu ngad bininj ngarrikukburlerri. Nawu marrngunj nakka nayahwurd dja nawu namardaka nakka nakimuk burlerri. Namardaka kare kore kubowinjku kukku mankabo. Kore Red Lily manlabbarlkimuk kumekke nawern nawu namardaka. Daluhdaluk kabirrire wakkidj kabirriwe kabirrimang nawu namardaka.